First base isn't what it used to be

[gunhilltrain]

Regardless of whether we call the age difference “generational” or whatever, and regardless of what names are given to the differing “generations,” there are real differences in the cultural and interpersonal experiences regarding the older people saying these things and the younger people whose experiences are being minimized and erased by them.

It smacks of that classic “this isn’t real, they’re just seeking attention” slur.

The differences aren’t imaginary. But comments like the above make it sound like people think they are.

I don’t think sociologists, psychologists, academics, journalists or anyone else are wrong for saying so and for talking about them.

True, but it only covers North America and maybe western Europe. Most of humanity has a different experience.

 

[iwatchus]

True, but it only covers North America and maybe western Europe. Most of humanity has a different experience.

The generational divides are different, but there is absolutely a generational divide in India right now. If anything the current 20-somethings in India are more westernized than any previous generations, so universal discussions are becoming more meaningful. Or that is my impression from talking to relatively young Indians. But they are all here, so they are by definition more westernized, so I may have a sampling bias blinding my perceptions.

 

[Britva415]

True, but it only covers North America and maybe western Europe. Most of humanity has a different experience.

Are we still talking about that article or did I miss a change of subject?

I never imagined that "Gen Z" was supposed to describe anyone outside of the USA. The third word of the Atlantic article makes clear that it's about the American experience. Every professor and young person they talked to was American.

As such, that was all I myself was ever talking about, either.

 

[gunhilltrain]

Are we still talking about that article or did I miss a change of subject?

I never imagined that "Gen Z" was supposed to describe anyone outside of the USA. The third word of the Atlantic article makes clear that it's about the American experience. Every professor and young person they talked to was American.

As such, that was all I myself was ever talking about, either.

This thread has digressed a lot, partially because of me. It's time to end this particular detour.

 

[TheRedChamber]

I remember about fifteen/twenty years ago having a discussion with an American (Southern) colleague abou the existance of an 'extended blowjob period' in a relationship. That is to say, inexperienced girls would agree to give head for months, years or even 'until marriage'

As a Brit, I expressed surprise at this as, to my mind, a blowjob is pretty much as sexual as having intercourse. One might come before the other, but one would typically follow the other quickly. And I myself had sex long before getting my first blowjob.

I think we agreed that it must be a cultural difference with American girls (in this particular lady's circle) being more religious than Brits in general and thus keener to keep hold of their V card for as long as possible.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

As a semihemibeliever in cyclical change, I see a curious parallel to the 50s Beat generation.

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

Interesting read, thanks
(and available to read without paying)

Curious. It was behind a paywall when I clicked it. Tired again, and I'm just not interested in subscribing to The Atlantic either...
There are different kinds of 'pay' that are excessive.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

I remember about fifteen/twenty years ago having a discussion with an American (Southern) colleague abou the existance of an 'extended blowjob period' in a relationship. That is to say, inexperienced girls would agree to give head for months, years or even 'until marriage'

As a Brit, I expressed surprise at this as, to my mind, a blowjob is pretty much as sexual as having intercourse. One might come before the other, but one would typically follow the other quickly. And I myself had sex long before getting my first blowjob.

I think we agreed that it must be a cultural difference with American girls (in this particular lady's circle) being more religious than Brits in general and thus keener to keep hold of their V card for as long as possible.

Definitely a long running phenomenon, there's a huge fight in the old movie Clerks where the MMC asks his GF how many partners she's had and she differentiates between sex and just oral.

 

[Britva415]

Curious. It was behind a paywall when I clicked it. Tired again, and I'm just not interested in subscribing to The Atlantic either...
There are different kinds of 'pay' that are excessive.

Someone posted a paywall-bypassing link to it.

If you care.

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

Someone posted a paywall-bypassing link to it.

If you care.

Thanks I really don’t.